System for cooling air inhaled by air conditioning housing unit

ABSTRACT

The invention is a system for evaporatively cooling the intake air for an air conditioning housing unit. The system includes a plurality of conduits connected to a fluid source, and nozzles configured to expel vapor into a perimeter of the housing unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] On hot days, conventional residential or commercialair-conditioning units are frequently overburdened by the task ofadequately cooling a home or other building. Often times the coolingsystem will remain on for long periods of times while the unit tries tomaintain a set temperature. Worse yet, the air-conditioning system willoperate continuously; even worse, household or building temperature willslowly rise while the air-conditioning unit operates at its maximumcooling capability using large amounts of costly electrical energy.

[0002] When operating in these conditions, the air-conditioning unit isunder excessive stress due to internal temperatures and pressures thatare at or above maximum design limits which will shorten the life ofmajor components such as the compressor. So in addition to highoperating costs, one must deal with increased maintenance costs and thecost of more frequent replacement of major components due to prematurewear.

[0003] This invention is a device that will aid the air-conditioningunit on days when the electrical and mechanical demands on the systemare excessive and even on days when weather conditions are not soextreme. The inventive system will increase the efficiency of the entiresystem at any time when it is appropriate to operate an air-conditioningunit with the purpose of cooling a volume of air.

[0004] The system can be constructed in different configurations thatwill make its application possible with most residential airconditioners. The system has application with larger industrial units aswell.

[0005] The invention includes piping network with misting devicesconfigured to envelop a residential or commercial air conditioning unit,thereby cooling air inhaled into the unit.

[0006] It is a well-known thermodynamic phenomenon that the evaporativeprocess of any substance will extract heat from the surrounding air.When water under pressure is released into air as a mist it will morefreely evaporate and draw significant quantities of heat from thesurrounding environment. This change in thermodynamic state from liquidto vapor cools the surrounding air. Sufficient pressure exists in apublic water supply to create a mist or fog when the pressurized wateris released through a misting device.

[0007] Through the process of evaporative cooling, the mist cools theambient air surrounding the air conditioner housing unit. Additionalevaporation occurs with the aid of the condensing unit's fan. The resultis a system that runs with higher efficiency saving operating costs andmaintenance costs.

[0008] When cooler air blows across a heat exchanger, the result islower internal temperatures and pressures in all parts of the airconditioning system. The are several beneficial consequences of this.First, the compressor will not work as hard to pump the coolantsubstance (in most cases Freon) through the a closed air-conditioningsystem, thereby reducing the electrical demand and reducing the currentrequired to run the compressor. Whenever the compressor is in operation,the supplied electrical power will be less.

[0009] Second, the temperature of the supply air flowing through a homeor commercial building duct system will be measurably lower compared toan air conditioner unit operating without the misting network. Thereduced temperature of air flowing through the duct work will cause theair in the building to be cooled more rapidly. The temperature set on atemperature controlling device such as a thermostat can be reached morequickly and efficiently with the effect that the unit will turn offsooner than if the heat exchange unit (such as an air conditioningcompressor) were not being cooled by the evaporating water mist.

[0010] Over all, this invention will allow an air-conditioning system tooperate at higher efficiency due to the compound beneficial effects ofless compressor on time, and when the compressor is in operation, itwill use less energy which can result in significant energy savings.Expected lower maintenance costs are an added dividend.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention is a system for cooling the intake air for an airconditioner housing unit. The system includes a plurality of conduitsconnected to a fluid source. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacenta terminal end of each conduit. These nozzles are configured to expelvapor, preferably water vapor, substantially around an entire perimeterof the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of conduitsform a network that engages the housing.

[0012] Optionally, the system may include a valve in communication withthe fluid source; this valve may be configured to selectively allowfluid to enter the network of conduits. Additionally, an electronicswitch may be used in cooperation with the valve.

[0013] The system may include a sensor in communication with thecompressor to sense when the housing inhales air from the surroundingarea. Preferably, this sensor may be in communication with the valve,and configured to open the valve when the housing actively inhales airfrom the surrounding area. Moreover, the sensor may act to close thevalve when the compressor is inactive.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the sensor is in electriccommunication with a thermostat and thermometer within the interior of aresidence. In this embodiment, a resident may selectively set desiredtemperature parameters for the interior of the residence, and the sensormay then activate the system when the temperature exceeds theseparameters. The system may also include a manifold containing thenetwork, and this manifold may be configured to engage the unit housing.

[0015] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the systemfor cooling intake air inhaled by an air conditioning housing, accordingto the principles of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the systemfor cooling intake air inhaled by an air conditioning housing unit,according to the principles of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the systemfor cooling intake air inhaled by an air conditioning housing unit,according to the principles of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the systemfor cooling intake air inhaled by an air conditioning housing unit,according to the principles of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 5 shows a view of one of the conduits included in the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the system 10 for coolingintake air inhaled into an air conditioning unit housing 12. The system10 includes a plurality of conduits 24 linked to form a network thatgenerally surround a housing 12. An inlet 22 supplies fluid, preferablywater, to the conduits 24. In FIG. 1, each conduit 24 emanates from acentral junction 26. A valve 23 or electronic switch 25 may bepositioned in communication with the inlet 22; in a preferredembodiment, the switch and valve are positioned in the central junction26. Generally, the valve 23 and the switch 25 function together as asingle electronic shutoff valve, having a solenoid and a valve.Generally, the solenoid will be activated by a 24 Volt signal thatappears at a contact point within the condensing housing unit 12.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing unit 12 has a top 14 and sides16, 18. Each of the top 14 and sides 16,18 is equipped with vents 20 toallow air to be inhaled into the housing unit 12. The network ofconduits 24 is shown to actually engage the housing unit 12 by sittingatop it. Alternatively, the conduits 24 may be encased within a manifoldthat is formed to engage the compressor.

[0023] The housing unit 12, as shown in FIG. 1, bears a generallypolygonal cross-section at planes parallel to the ground. Of course, itis well-known that compressors are manufactured with varyingconfigurations, such as cylindrical or other polygonal shapes. Thesystem 10 herein disclosed is adaptable to fit varying shapes and sizesof housing units 12.

[0024] Still referring to FIG. 1, each conduit 24 has a first portion 27that extends from the central junction 26. The first portion 27terminates at a bend 29, and a terminal portion 28 of the conduit 24extends from the bend 29. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bend 29includes a pair of elbows 30 and a short length of pipe therebetween.

[0025] Still referring to FIG. 1, the terminal portion 28 should be longenough so that it extends over the vent 20 that is respectivelypositioned on the sides 16, 18 of the housing unit 12. Thisconfiguration allows vapor to be expelled from nozzles 32 positioned oneach terminal portion 28. The nozzles 32 may point directly at the vents20; however, they may also be pointed, as shown, at angles displacedfrom one another along the longitudinal axis of the terminal portion 28.

[0026] A valve 23 is positioned adjacent the fluid inlet 22 in order toselectively enable fluid to pass into the conduits 24 by entering thejunction 26. In this embodiment, the valve 23 is in communication with aswitch 25. Preferably, the switch 25 is in electric communication withthe fan or compressor within housing unit 12. Specifically, when eitherof these devices (i.e., the fan or compressor) within the housing unit12 causes air to be inhaled into the housing unit 12 through its vents20, the switch 25 opens the valve 23. Conversely, when the housing unit12 is inactive, the switch 25 maintains the valve 23 in a closedposition. This valve 23 and switch 25 combination cooperate to conservefluid.

[0027]FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the system 10. In order toestablish continuity and to facilitate understanding, analogous partsare given identical reference numbers, even if the structure varies. Inmany ways, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is the same as the embodimentdepicted in the prior figure. However, note the difference in structureof the conduits 24. Each conduit 24 has an initial section 27 connectedto the junction 26 at one end, and an elbow 30 at the other. The elbow30 connects the initial section 27 to the terminal section 28.

[0028]FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the system 10. In order toestablish continuity and to facilitate understanding, analogous partsare given identical reference numbers, even if the structure varies. Thesystem 10 includes a network of conduits 24 connected to a fluid source(not shown in FIG. 3, but viewable in FIG. 1). A valve 23 is positionedupstream of the junction 26, and a switch 25 is in communication withthe valve 23. The switch 25 may be in electric communication with eitherthe fan or compressor within housing unit 12, or may be in electriccommunication with a thermostat within the building or home. When thehousing unit 12 is operative, the switch 25 opens the valve 23, therebyallowing fluid into the conduits 24. Conversely, when the unit isinoperative, the switch 25 maintains the valve 23 in the closedposition.

[0029]FIG. 3 shows an alternative design for the terminal section 28.Note that a T-configuration 36 is positioned adjacent a terminal end ofthe terminal section 28. In this embodiment, nozzles 32 are positionedalong the T configuration, and pointed in the general direction of thevents 20 of the housing unit 12. Of course, additional nozzles may beattached to the general vertical portion of the terminal section 28, aswell as on the T-portion.

[0030]FIG. 4 shows an another embodiment of the system 10. In order toestablish continuity and to facilitate understanding, analogous partsare given identical reference numbers, even if the structure varies.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet 22 supplies fluid, preferablywater, to a central junction 26. The inlet 22 may be a common gardenhose supplying water to the conduits 24. As shown, the inlet 22 includesa pipe 29 leading to the junction 26. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,the conduits 24 form a network that encircles the housing unit 12. Whilethe conduits 24 are shown to be a circular configuration, otherconfigurations are possible, of course. Nozzles 32 are positioned atvarious locations along the conduits 24 so that faces 16,18 of thehousing unit 12 are sprayed with vapor or mist.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the pipe 29 also serves as asupport that holds the conduits in a position above the ground.Alternatively, stands may be positioned to hold the conduits 24 in aposition that would enable the nozzles 32 to expel vapor towardrespective vents 20 on the sides 16,18 of the housing unit 12. Inanother embodiment, braces may be placed or mounted on the sides of thehousing unit 12 to provide support for the conduits 24.

[0033]FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of a conduit 24. The first portion 27of conduit 24 leads to an elbow 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the conduit maybe of a well-known, PCV piping; alternatively, any of the parts may bespecially made or unitary. The elbow 30 extends between the firstportion 27 and the terminal portion 28. At least one nozzle 32 ispositioned near a terminal end of the terminal portion 28 of the conduit24.

[0034] Although the present invention has been described and illustratedin detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way ofillustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way oflimitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to belimited only by the terms of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A system for cooling intake air for an air conditioninghousing unit, the system comprising: a network of conduits connected toa fluid source; a plurality of nozzles positioned on the network;wherein, the nozzles expel cooling vapor in a perimeter of the housingunit, enabling the vapor to cool air that is inhaled into the housingunit.
 2. The system as in claim 1, further comprising: a valveconfigured to selectively allow fluid to enter network.
 3. The system asin claim 2, further comprising a switch configured to open the valvewhen the housing unit actively inhales air from the perimeter; and closethe valve when the housing unit is inactive.
 4. The system as in claim1, the network including: a first conduit connected to the fluid source,and a second conduit connected to the first conduit and bearing one of apolygonal, circular, or elliptical configuration, wherein, the secondconduit is positioned and configured so that the housing unit ispositioned within an interior of the configuration.
 5. The system as inclaim 1, wherein the network includes a plurality of conduits, eachconduit having an initial section connected to the fluid source; and aterminal section connected to the initial section.
 6. The system as inclaim 5, further comprising a respective elbow joint connecting eachrespective initial section to a respective terminal section; and, eachterminal section depends downwardly from its respective elbow joint. 7.The system as in claim 5, wherein the initial section engages thehousing unit.
 8. The system as in claim 7, wherein, at least a portionof the initial section rests on a top surface of the housing unit. 9.The system as in claim 5, wherein the terminal section includes one of ageneral T-configuration; or a a general Y-configuration.
 10. The systemas in claim 5, wherein the nozzles are angularly displaced from oneanother with respect to a longitudinal axis of the terminal section. 11.A system for cooling air in an area surrounding an air conditioninghousing unit, the system comprising: a fluid source; a network ofconduits connected with the fluid source; a plurality of nozzles on theconduits; wherein, the nozzles and conduits are cooperatively positionedand configured to expel vapor in the area surrounding the housing unit.12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a valve configured toselectively enable fluid to enter the network.
 13. The system as inclaim 11, the network including: a first conduit connected to the fluidsource, and a second conduit connected to the first conduit and bearingone of a polygonal, circular, or elliptical configuration, wherein, thesecond conduit is positioned and configured so that the housing unit ispositioned within an interior of the configuration.
 14. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the network includes a plurality of conduits, eachconduit having an initial section extending from the fluid source, and aterminal section connected to the initial section.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein nozzles are positioned on the terminal section. 16.The system of claim 14, wherein the terminal section includes at leastone of a T-configuration; or a Y configuration.
 17. The system of claim14, wherein, each initial section includes a first pipe connected to thefluid source; and, the network includes an elbow joint at a terminal endof the first pipe; and, the terminal section extends from the elbow. 18.The system as in claim 17, wherein each first pipe engages a top surfaceof the housing.
 19. The system as in claim 17, wherein the nozzles arepointed in directions that are angularly displaced from one another withrespect to a longitudinal axis of the terminal section.
 20. A system forevaporatively cooling air inhaled into an conditioning housing unit, thesystem comprising: a fluid source; a network comprising a plurality ofconduits, each conduit having an initial section engaging a top surfaceof the housing and extending from the fluid source; an elbow jointadjacent a terminal end of the initial section; and a terminal sectionextending from the elbow, each terminal section the terminal sectionincluding at least one of a straight configuration; a T-configuration;or a Y configuration; a valve configured to selectively allow fluid toenter the network; a plurality of nozzles positioned on respectiveterminal sections of the conduits; wherein, the nozzles and conduits arecooperatively positioned and configured to expel mist in an areasurrounding the housing, thereby cooling air inhaled into the housingunit.